Codifying citizens' role in lawmaking

For effective policymaking, legislation made without public consultation must be rendered void

- M.S. SAHOO & MALLIKA DANDEKAR

Deregulation is the central theme of this year's Economic Survey and the Union Budget, with the government seeking to roll back many of the regulations it previously introduced. Much of this reversal could have been avoided had robust public consultations been conducted at the outset. A well-structured consultation process acts as a safeguard against both overregulation and under-regulation, ensuring that only well-reasoned, necessary, and balanced measures are implemented.

In a democracy, citizens hold the highest office, vested with significant rights and responsibilities. Foremost among these are: (a) the authority to vote and run for public office, enabling them to install a government of their choice, and (b) the ability to influence government decisions and policies, ensuring the governance aligns with their collective will. A responsive government upholds this second right, as failing to do so may prompt citizens to exercise their first right to uninstall it.

Public consultation in lawmaking exemplifies the exercise of this second right, reinforcing the government's commitment to citizen engagement in policy formulation while emphasizing the citizens' duty to contribute to this process. Such engagement enhances the legitimacy of legislation, fosters transparency, and builds trust between the government and its citizens. By securing early buy-ins from stakeholders and synchronizing their diverse interests, it minimizes the risk of legislative rollbacks, delays, or implementation hurdles. Acknowledging the vital role of citizen involvement, many democracies have institutionalized public consultation as an essential part of the legislative process.